Fire Or Be Fired

Subject: Fired or be Fired

Date: May 11, 2006

Introduction

Like many other city Administrators, Josh Peters, the newly hired city manager of the southwestern Adams city of approximately 17,000 people, was faced with complicated ethical dilemmas and "sacred" obligations as he attempted to steer the affairs of the city and its preference at large. There were lots of socio-political problems: the city has taken an economic downturn, deteriorating infrastructure, declining city services, and political changes. Furthermore, paramount was the resignation of the city manager whom Josh Peters had replaced; coupled with the subsequent replacement of the city police chief, who had retired. The police chief replacement fell within the purview of the newly appointed city manager, Josh Peters. But not without some political consequences and pressure from "interest groups" at large even to the extent of "falling on his sword" by whatever decision he (Josh) may make at the end of the day. And so, it's "fired or be fired" - the case tells us about some of the difficult decisions managers face at job.

Discussions Questions

There are lots of discussion questions I wish to address following this case:

 If I were in Peter's position, there are lots of factors I would have considered in deciding on my course of actions. I therefore wish to weigh on a few:

* Hold firm to my present position, with the knowledge that I was abiding by the code of ethics despite firm evidence of such path that would result in the loss of my job. As a member of the ICMA, if I do not subscribe to and protect its rules and regulations, I see no reason of being a part. Additionally, if I intend to ever bend the rules of my profession for the short term benefit, it would come to hunt me in the very near future. I would have proven to be a manager without integrity, principles, morals and strong conviction for the betterment and greater good of the society at large.

* Consent to the major's demand and fire Wilson. The sticking issue is the violation of my ethical principles, which I am not in the position to ever do. Placing myself in Peter's post, I was hired to clean up house and bring the necessary reforms within the statutory limitations of my job. In as much as I would entertain pieces of advice from members of the city council, I would be very cautious in allowing undue influence into what I strongly believe would be in the best interest of the community at large. Remember, there is that defining line between the activities of political appointees, elected officials and an administrator. Hence, giving the major, who shares in the philosophy, morals and vision of the union- undue influence, would mean that I am ineffective and should be willing to be micromanaged by the major.

* Permit the council, even now to undertake the investigation. In most instances, council members feel politically obligated to the "people" as they contemplate on their re-election. And in as much as many would conceptualize the strong conviction that a particular decision would not be in the best interest of guarded principles, they would be willing to relax said for the cries of the vocal "majority". Interestingly however, this would also compromise the duties of the manager (personnel) which are outside any interference of the major or the public. I would seek their advice but to give the council a blanket authority into my day-to-day operations as a manager would be an inconceivable idea. I would have presented myself to be ineffective, inefficient and unable to make timely, sometimes unpopular but decisive decisions within my statutory limits. And ultimately, there would be no reason of my retention as a manager.

* Call for an investigation of the chief by an independent outside agency, such as state or federal law enforcement agency. As per the advice of the city attorney, only a criminal investigation would warrant the intervention of state or federal agency. Since this was not in any case involved in the Wilson's accusations, I would be casting a "vote of no confidence" in my own staff, clothed with the necessary experience of conducting such an investigation. This, without doubt, would widen the already volatile, fragile and increasingly growing division in the city over the dismissal of the newly hired police chief. I would work with what I have and stay of state and federal investigators.

* Appeal the matter over the head of the council and the union by going directly to the public. I think going public should be a matter of last resort; especially where the public seem polarized by the current wave of public relations stunt against the police chief by the Union media and some disgruntled officers. He (Josh) may not survive a public debate over this and he may be forced to abandon his principles, ethics and morals. The decision of such nature falls within his personnel duties and I think that Josh should stay off the public with this one but rely upon his investigative staff.

 Yes, I would have taken the same position as Peters because of the following reasons:

 It is rather beneficial and conscience relevant to "fall on your sword" honorably than to eat at the table of kings dishonorably. Because the very people that you may be compromising your principles and rules of conduct on behalf, would be the very people you may meet in the greater society. And you would require recommendations, referrals, admiration and respect from them. I do not hold the believe that they would be willing to go the extra miles if they know you as not being a principle minded person but one who backs out under pressure even at doing what is morally wrong. You would have then destroyed your career.

 Therefore, I would have held on to my ICMA rules and conduct to the letter including the statues of my duties as a manager for Adams southwestern city. As and educated person, I still would have found a job if fired but I would have been a free man in conscience and before mankind, knowing that I did the right thing.

 Indeed, the ethical grounds for Peters' decisions were valid. Tenets 3, 10 & 11 of the ICMA Code of Ethics with guidelines clearly point